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Des Moines, IA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Residential daytime limit
60 dBA, 7 a.m.–10 p.m.
Residential nighttime limit
50 dBA, 10 p.m.–7 a.m.
Mixed-use/commercial limit
65 dBA at all times
Industrial zone limit
75 dBA at all times
Noise-sensitive area limit
55 dBA at all times

Summary

Des Moines caps outdoor sound at the receiving property's boundary: 60 dBA daytime and 50 dBA nighttime in residential zones, 65 dBA in mixed-use/commercial zones and the flood district, and 75 dBA in industrial zones under Municipal Code § 42-254.

no person shall make, continue, or cause to be made or continued, any sound which exceeds the following sound level limits at or within the real property boundary of a receiving land use: ... P1 and residential zones: ... 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. 60 50 ... Mixed use and commercial zones: ... At all times 65 ... Industrial zones: ... At all times 75

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 38 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

Municipal Code § 42-254 sets maximum sound levels at the real property boundary of the receiving land use. Residential zones (P1 and the N1-N5, NX1-NX3, NX2a, NM and residential legacy PUD districts) cap at 60 dBA from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 50 dBA from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Mixed-use/commercial zones and the F flood district cap at 65 dBA at all times; industrial zones (EX, I1, I2) at 75 dBA; posted noise-sensitive areas at 55 dBA. Under § 42-253, if ambient noise already exceeds the limit, the permitted level rises to match it.

Violations & Fines

Sound above the Table 1 limits is a violation of Municipal Code § 42-254, enforced by the noise control division as a civil infraction or criminal citation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the noise limit in Des Moines residential neighborhoods?
60 dBA from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 50 dBA from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., measured at the property boundary of the receiving land use, per Municipal Code § 42-254.
Do commercial and industrial areas get higher noise limits?
Yes. Mixed-use/commercial zones and the flood district allow up to 65 dBA at all times, and industrial zones up to 75 dBA, versus 60/50 dBA for residential zones.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Des Moines

Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard FiresSignificant RestrictionsVehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsLeaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Coyote ManagementHeavy RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: MicrochippingSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSome Restrictions

All Des Moines rules

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